However, despite being pushed towards the exit door by coach Rudi Garcia, the Daily Mirror claim that Cole is refusing to budge and will not cancel his contract and leave.

It is claimed that Cole has refused moves to smaller clubs already, and will remain in Rome until he can find a suitable alternative.

Naturally, it is a huge blow for the veteran as he had hoped his move to Roma would rejuvenate him and be a successful final chapter in his career.

Instead, he struggled in his first season in the Italian capital and has now lost his place in the line-up while falling further down the pecking order with Lucas Digne now considered the club’s first-choice left back after arriving from PSG this summer.